Paul Merson predicts Alexander Isak wait and a big weekend for Newcastle

Paul Merson has placed his predictions for this weekend’s clash between Newcastle United and Ipswich Town, while giving his view on what will happen with one of our key transfer situations this summer.

Newcastle must use the opportunity to bounce back from their defeat against Aston Villa as they take on an Ipswich side who will be relegated if they fail to win on Saturday.

Tractor Boys frontman has been linked with a £30m switch to the Toon this summer, with Manchester United also interested in the 22-year-old's signature. Still, it’s a forward of Newcastle’s that Merson is talking about the future of after previewing the game itself. 

Merson's predictions for Saturday and summer

Newcastle are “definitely” beating Ipswich on Saturday, according to an adamant Merson who believes we will bounce back from the loss at Villa Park with a 3-0 win. 

Alexander Isak became our first player to score a Premier League hat-trick in over 2000 days when we travelled to Portman Road and won 4-0 in our last meeting before Christmas, so there is plenty of reason to be confident as they come to St. James’ Park on the brink of relegation. 

I don’t think anyone is ever “definitely” beating anyone in this league, but three points today would see us leapfrog Man City, who have currently played a game more, into third while going five points clear of Villa.

Nottingham Forest, like Villa, are out of action this weekend to prepare for their FA Cup semi-finals. A win would put pressure on Nuno’s side to beat Brentford next Thursday.

Merson said: “This fixture is the reason why Chelsea have to win because Newcastle are definitely getting three points here.

“I can’t see anything else happening. I know that defeat against Aston Villa would have hurt Newcastle so much. They were flying before that and the emotions of joy were so high at the club ever since the Carabao Cup win.

“Listen, everybody is allowed to have a bad game. I expect them to take that loss to Villa on the chin and bounce back with a comfortable win.”

Isak wait could make sense

Merson also discussed Alexander Isak (yet again) and how our Champions League standing may influence his decision to stay - or at least wait to see what level of ambition we show ahead of contract talks. 

There is every confidence that the talismanic Swede will stay if we get Champions League football, but Isak could also wait to see if we sign big this summer, as expected, before he commits to a new deal?

This next window is a chance to prove to the squad that our ambitions remain to push on after a lacklustre few windows. It may provide Isak with assurances that we are taking the project to the next level and are aiming to be in a position to compete at the very highest level.

On Isak, Merson said: “Alexander Isak is expected to attract interest from a few clubs this summer,” Merson then added.  "But I feel like he could play the waiting game before he decides on his future.

“Newcastle could be playing Champions League football next season and have already tasted silverware. Let’s not forget that they are a big club and if they qualify for the Champions League, they are an attractive project to be a part of for any player. I think Isak surely wants to be involved in the Champions League next season and that could play a key role here.

“Arsenal seem like the best possible move for him if he leaves Newcastle though. If the Gunners get him, they will win the league by 10 points!”